Sofeeyah Mohamad Sidik, a Psychology student at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), has achieved a remarkable academic milestone by publishing her final year project (FYP) in a Scopus-indexed Q2 journal under Taylor & Francis.

Publishing in a Scopus-indexed journal serves as an important gateway to global academic recognition, offering a platform for high-impact research to reach an international scholarly community, while enabling researchers to contribute meaningfully to ongoing academic conversations and strengthen critical thinking, research excellence, and intellectual engagement across disciplines.

Sofeeyah conducted her research under the supervision of Ms Raihan Munira Moh Sani (Lecturer, School of Psychology at APU), whose guidance and academic insight played a pivotal role in developing the study, enhancing its analytical quality, and supporting Sofeeyah throughout the research journey and publication process. 

Exploring the Realities of Involuntary Singlehood

Sofeeyah’s research titled “Exploring the Factors and Challenges of Involuntary Singlehood and its Impact on Psychological Well-Being among Women in Malaysia,” centres on the experiences of women facing involuntary singlehood within the Malaysian context; a topic that remains relatively underexplored yet socially significant.

Through a structured research approach, she examined the contributing factors and the challenges associated with societal expectations, cultural norms, and evolving life circumstances.

Her research further investigates how these experiences influence psychological well-being, while highlighting the emotional and social dimensions of singlehood, offering insights into resilience, identity, and mental health.

A Meaningful Academic Milestone

For Sofeeyah, publishing her FYP in a Scopus-indexed Q2 journal marked a significant and rewarding moment, reflecting the culmination of her hard work and dedication. 

She shared that having her research acknowledged at an international level was both encouraging and meaningful, especially after the extensive effort invested in developing and refining the study.

Additionally, she emphasised that the experience also reinforced her confidence in research, motivating her to further explore topics that contribute to a deeper understanding of real-world psychological challenges.

Strengthening Research Excellence in Psychology

Speaking on this achievement, Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, School of Psychology at APU) highlighted the School’s commitment to shaping well-rounded psychology students who are equipped not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the awareness and drive to address contemporary societal issues through research.

She explained that accomplishments such as Sofeeyah’s reflect the School’s emphasis on cultivating a research-oriented mindset, encouraging students to explore relevant psychological topics, think critically, and apply ethical principles in ways that generate meaningful contributions both within academia and in real-world contexts.